2016 Legislative Outcomes

Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and Raise the Minimum WageEITC: RI EITC increased from 12.5% to 15% of the federal EITC for tax year 2017. This increase will benefit more than 80,000 low- and moderate-income Rhode Islanders.Minimum Wage: Did not pass. RI’s minimum wage remains at $9.60/hour.

Reform Pay Day LendingDid not pass. However, there is a possibility that new federal regulations will bring change.

Let education, the most essential pathway out of poverty, start early and continue for a lifetime.

Expand Child Care Assistance (CCAP) and Early Childhood Education

An exit income pilot program for CCAP was extended for an additional year (through September 2017). This allows families to continue to receive graduated levels of assistance with incomes up to 225% of the federal poverty level. However, a proposal to expand entry eligibility, which would have included families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level (up from 180% currently) was not passed. A proposal for increased, tiered, quality-based reimbursement rates for care providers also did not pass. Overall funding for CCAP (state plus federal) will increase in 2017 because more children are participating. State funding for Head Start was maintained. The budget also includes $5.2 million in state funding for Pre-K, a $1.2 million increase from FY 2016.

Reduce Out-of-School Suspensions

Legislation now requires school districts to: evaluate the discipline data they already collect annually; identify disparities based on race, ethnicity or special education status; develop a plan to reduce any disparities; and restrict the use of out-of-school suspensions to situations when a child’s behavior poses a physical risk or serious disruption that cannot be dealt with by other means.

Expand Opportunities for Workforce Foundational Skills and Occupational TrainingFunding for workforce foundational skills (literacy, English language services) remained constant; no new funds were added.

Provide safe homes for all.

Implement Opening Doors RI, the State’s Plan to End Homelessness, Including Support for an Affordable Housing BondA $50 million housing opportunity bond was passed and will go on the ballot in November. It includes $40 million for affordable housing.

Protect Families from Domestic Gun ViolenceDid not pass.

Protect the needs of low-income seniors and people with disabilities.

Maintain the RIPTA Senior/Disabled Fare ProgramThe RIPTA Senior/Disabled no-fare bus pass was extended for an additional six months, through December, 2016, with $900,000 included in the budget to cover the cost. However, beginning January, 2017, the fare is scheduled to increase to $0.50/ride (and $0.25/transfer), reduced from a proposed $1.00/ride and ($0.50/transfer).

Provide Adequate Funding for Senior CentersAn additional $600,000 in funds for senior centers was not included in the final budget.

If you're interested in learning more or becoming a part of our organization, contact Victoria Strang, Director & Lead Organizer, at RIinterfaithcoalition@gmail.com.